Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Gentianaceae (Gentian)
Also in this family:
Alpine Gentian, Autumn Gentian, Chiltern Gentian, Clusius's Gentian, Common Centaury, Dune Gentian, Early Gentian, Field Gentian, Fringed Gentian, Hybrid Gentian, Marsh Gentian, Perennial Centaury, Seaside Centaury, Slender Centaury, Spring Gentian, Willow Gentian, Yellow Centaury, Yellow-wort
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, farmland, gardens, grassland, heathland, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland, woodland.
Centaurium pulchellum produces tiny, star-like flowers with five bright pink petals, usually around 3–5 mm across, making them notably smaller than those of Common Centaury (C. erythraea). The flowers are held singly or in loose clusters atop slender, branched stems, and they open only in sunshine, typically from June to September. Each flower has a yellow central eye and a fused tubular base. It thrives in open, short-sward habitats, especially saltmarsh edges, dunes, paths, and disturbed coastal grassland.
Fruit:
After pollination, the plant forms a slender capsule, which splits to release numerous tiny seeds. The seeds are dust-like and can be dispersed by wind or water. The seed capsule is cylindrical and upright, and it often matures well after flowering, persisting into autumn.
Leaves:
The basal leaves form a small rosette and are oval to spatula-shaped, while the stem leaves are narrow, opposite, and sessile, becoming smaller higher up the stem. The foliage is hairless, pale green, and delicate. The plant is usually low-growing (5–15 cm tall), and its fine structure helps distinguish it from the more robust C. erythraea.
Fragrance:
Lesser Centaury is scentless to most people, though the flowers may have a mild green or herbal scent when crushed. Its appeal to pollinators lies more in its colour and structure than in any fragrance. The entire plant has a bitter taste, which reflects its historical use in herbal tonics.
Other Names:
Branched Centaury, Branching Centaury, Pink Centaury, Small-flowered Centaury, Small-flowered Centuary.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Centaurium pulchellum, also known as small-flowered centaury or small-flowered centuary, is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to other parts of the world as a weed. The plant is known for its small, pink or white flowers and narrow leaves. It grows well in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and waste areas. Centaurium pulchellum is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It is commonly found in disturbed areas and is considered an invasive weed in some areas. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Blog
Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum), also known as Pink Centaury, is a species of flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the gentian family and is known for its beautiful, delicate pink flowers that bloom from June to September.
This plant is usually found growing in damp meadows, pastures, and along streams and rivers. It grows to a height of 10-40 cm and has a creeping root system, which helps it to spread and form colonies. The leaves of the plant are narrow and lance-shaped, and are typically about 5 cm in length.
The flowers of the Lesser Centaury are the most striking feature of the plant, with each stem carrying several delicate blooms. The flowers are usually a light to deep pink color, and have five petals that are fused at the base. The flowers are attractive to many types of insects, including bees and butterflies, making the Lesser Centaury an important plant for pollinators.
Lesser Centaury has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, liver and kidney disorders, and skin conditions. The plant contains a number of compounds that are believed to have medicinal properties, including bitter compounds, tannins, and alkaloids.
Despite its medicinal properties, the Lesser Centaury is not widely cultivated, and is considered to be a rare plant in many parts of its native range. This is due in part to habitat loss and the fact that it is a slow-growing species. However, it is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow and can be a valuable addition to a wildflower garden or meadow.
Lesser Centaury is a beautiful and delicate flowering plant that is of great importance to pollinators and has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. Although it is not widely cultivated, it is a valuable plant that should be protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential health benefits of Lesser Centaury. Research has shown that the plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic properties, which make it a promising candidate for use in the treatment of various health conditions.
One area of research that has received particular attention is the potential of Lesser Centaury for use in the treatment of digestive problems. The bitter compounds found in the plant have been shown to stimulate the digestive system and improve the absorption of nutrients, which can help to relieve symptoms of indigestion and constipation.
Additionally, Lesser Centaury has been shown to have potential in the treatment of liver and kidney disorders. The plant contains compounds that have been shown to support liver function and protect against liver damage, and research has also suggested that it may help to improve kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney disease.
In skin care, Lesser Centaury has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the plant make it a promising candidate for use in the treatment of skin conditions, and research is ongoing in this area.
It is important to note that while research has shown promising results for the potential health benefits of Lesser Centaury, more research is needed to fully understand its medicinal properties and determine the most effective ways to use it. As with any natural remedy, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using Lesser Centaury as a treatment for any health condition.
In conclusion, Lesser Centaury is a valuable and versatile plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine. While more research is needed to fully understand its medicinal properties, the potential health benefits of the plant are promising and warrant further investigation. Whether grown in a garden or used in traditional medicine, Lesser Centaury is a fascinating and valuable plant that should be protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
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